Why solar permitting needs to be modernized now

It’s been more than two years since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) set aside nearly $400 billion to combat climate change. The legislation is expected to double the rate at which the United States is cutting greenhouse gas emissions, from 2 percent to 4 percent in reductions each year. The Solar for All (SFA) program, a part of the IRA’s larger Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, is set to provide $7 billion in funding to grow solar in low-income communities. The IRA undeniably represents a huge step in the right direction, but the implementation of its earmarked programs are jeopardized by bureaucratic red tape in our solar permitting process.

With money flowing into communities as a result of the IRA, growth in the number of installations is likely to present challenges for permitting offices. Estimates based loosely on data from Michigan signal some states might see increases of 25 percent in solar installations at the peak of SFA deployment. As it stands, even straight-forward residential solar projects are often subject to lengthy delays in the permitting and inspection process. When compared to other developed countries like Australia, residential solar costs an additional $15,000 in the United States–more than $6,000 of which is the result of direct and indirect costs related to permitting.

Thankfully, there is a smarter way to process the SFA-driven increased demand for rooftop solar. Instant solar permitting software, such as SolarAPP+, cut down on delay times for standard rooftop solar and home battery installations. With these tools, installers can input project details and software can provide permits in less than an hour for plans in compliance with jurisdictions’ local standards. Streamlining this process reduces time and costs associated with permitting, while also helping local officials manage the uptick in demand and investment for rooftop solar.

“The Solar for All program promises to accelerate demand for rooftop solar,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy for Environment America Research & Policy Center. “We need to adopt instant solar permitting so that inefficiencies and red tape can’t serve as barriers to homeowners who want to go solar.”

California and Maryland have both passed state legislation requiring jurisdictions adopt instant solar permitting software for rooftop solar. An total of six states – California, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington – have established incentive programs for jurisdictions to adopt SolarAPP+.